Plan Your Visit

Public access to Palmyra Atoll is self-limiting due to the very high expense of traveling to such a remote destination. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates the only airplane runway on Palmyra and by boat, it's a 5-7 day sailing trip from Honolulu.

There are four ways the public may gain access to the refuge:

Working for, contracting with, or volunteering for The Nature Conservancy or Fish and Wildlife Service

With prior approval by the Fish and Wildlife Service, privately owned vessels are permitted access to the Palmyra Atoll NWR for up to 7 days to see and enjoy the natural resources of the refuge. A maximum of 2 vessels are allowed at one time and up to 6 yachts may visit in a month. Private vessels must have U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved holding tanks for sewage and an appropriate and current USGC inspection certificate. Contact the Refuge Manager to arrange and secure your visit.

Access to Cooper Island must be arranged and secured through The Nature Conservancy. Contact the Deputy Director of the The Nature Conservancy’s Palmyra Program at palmyra_admin@tnc.org for further information.